Is it normal for my kindergartner to talk constantly about her imaginary friend?

Very much so, although your child is probably nearing the end of the imaginary friend phase. Playing with a made-up person isn't so different from playing with action figures or dolls. In fact, imaginary friends come in handy for kindergartners. A pretend pal might fill a friendship role when his school buddies desert him — talk about loyalty! Or he might be a heroic protector. A sidekick who's endowed with super strength or magical powers can lend a child a hand in controlling his fears or feelings of powerlessness. Other imaginary friends are scapegoats ("Suzy lost my coloring assignment!"). An imaginary friend can actually help you out, too, if he talks about things that are difficult for your child to broach on his own ("Sammy doesn't like recess").

Still, it can be unsettling to sit across from an imaginary friend at the dinner table. Don't overindulge this buddy (forget the extra place-setting, for instance), or your child may feel that you're being condescending. But do show interest and acceptance ("So Sammy loves pizza, too?"). And don't worry — there's no indication that kids with imaginary friends are more likely than other kids to forgo "real" playmates. In fact, research shows that kids with imaginary friends are more cooperative, creative, independent, and happy than those without. And soon enough, Sammy will be but a fond memory.

This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

This site is published by BabyCenter, L.L.C., which is responsible for its contents as further described and qualified in the Terms of Use.